Jimmy Johnson Memorial Tournament Held at Jackson Hill

By Terry Sympson

Published 10:30 am, Wednesday, December 11, 2013

They came from all over East Texas setting aside the threat of rain, fog and wind. Seasoned tournament fisherman, Pro's and amateurs, not for the prize money, there was none. Not for glory or even bragging rights, they fished for a simple plaque, a simple wooden remembrance that paid tribute to one of our own.Jimmy Johnson was remembered and honored by friends, competitors, acquaintances and complete strangers because of who he was, how he lived and how he died. Every fisherman has known the feeling of concern and fear when parking their boat over night in an unfamiliar place. The concern of losing something of value, fishing tackle, electronics, the boat that you worked so hard for, but not your life. It seems impossible to believe when you first hear of such tragedies, but we all have heard too many news stories of what people do to other people for no good reason.

Local tournament fisherman Scott Burns and Nacogdoches Bass Club President Ron Jones along with Jackson Hill Marina held a memorial fund raising tournament for Jimmy's family and to honor his life and contribution to competitive fishing on Saturday November 16th. More than 60 anglers left in the early morning fog to test their skill against nature and each other. Scott Burns reported "I was so surprised by the number of people who wanted to contribute to the event. Legend boats President Randy Qualls and his wife Cindy offered prizes and a $1,000 donation and we appreciate them so very much." Burns added "we also have to give a special thanks to Mercury Marine, Strike King Baits, Lonnie Stanley of Stanley Jigs and everyone else who donated and participated in the event."

When it was all over it was the team of Joel Campbell and Don Randall who brought in the winning weight of 17.29 lbs and Royce Treadaway who won the individual division with 10.95 lbs.

Many of the anglers reported throwing lipless crank baits in shad patterns for most of the day with Carolina and Texas rigged brush hogs and lizards also producing some good fish.

Pastor William Barth from the First Baptist Church in Broaddus helped to end the event by letting everyone there know of the good done by the fishing industry and praying for their individual safety while pursuing the sport that we all love.

Jimmy was living his dream with his wife by his side. He worked for 27 years to retire and do what he loved, chasing those little green fish and competing against the best he could find. He won some and lost some and along the way he made a lot of friends in the fishing community and will be missed by many. We can only pray that his family be given strength and peace of mind by a power beyond our own. Thanks to everyone who attended, sponsored and helped in this event.